Break Time

Photograph by Karine Gabrielian , National Geographic Your Shot

"This photo was taken at the break wall at Marina del Rey in southern California," says Your Shot member Karine Gabrielian . "It's a hot spot for brown pelicans, seagulls, and other birds. The excretion patterns that cover the rocks of the break wall create the impression of artwork. The scenery changes every minute: You see birds landing, taking off, thinking, relaxing, and talking to each other."

Gabrielian, whose picture was a recent Daily Dozen selection, says one can spend hours watching the birds. "It's impossible to resist the temptation to take hundreds of photos, even if you're not a professional photographer. Since I'm not a professional, I didn't use any specific technique knowingly. I just put into it lots of emotions and feelings."

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